My good friend Celina brought me back the catalogue from the recent Ethics+Aesthetics=Sustainable Fashion exhibition at the Pratt Manhattan Gallery in New York

Included in the catalouge was a paper pattern for the smock by Smockshop whose work had been exhibited.

I decided to make my version of the smock from the generic pattern insert within the catalogue out of some fabric that had been given to me a while ago and the belt from my Trench Transformation project.

In a similar way to the Design_Download project run by ShowStudio (and also exhibited at the Fashion Revolution exhibition at Somerset house) I find the individual and unique interpretations of the exact same pattern piece to be an exciting and fascinating example of creativity. Furthermore, the more that people contribute to the project by making their version of the smock, the more interesting and varied the collection of work. For smockshop, the mass production of their pattern by a workforce of individual makers, creating a one off piece, links the workforce within a smock community, expressing your unique voice and identity whilst also feeling part of a wider network.

Monday, March 08, 2010

Dani's red coat was no longer loved. Worn out and pulling at the seams, with a stained and ripped lining, the coat had been worn for 7 years as a coat and Dani felt it was time for a change, although she loved the colour and the fabric...upcycling was the only thing for it!The jacket part was quite an easy job, replacing the lining and changing the shape just a little bit - the dress was a lot more fun, creating something 'new' and unique from a pre loved garment.

Both the new jacket and the dress made from the coat were a success, and are loved once more in their new forms by Dani.

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About

Following 6 years studying textiles and sustainability at University of the Arts London, Julia established Upcycle Fashion to promote creative and wearable solutions to extend the useful life of clothing. In addition to sharing practical upcycling tips and inspiration online, Julia runs hands-on workshops for school and community groups to teach easy garment upcycling tricks alongside practical sewing skills. Julia is also a member of the Australian working committee for Fashion Revolution Day, a campaign to promote transparency throughout the fashion supply chain, and to raise awareness of the damaging impact the fashion industry can have on people and planet.